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Online CasinoGamesVideo PokerHow to Win at Video Poker Online: Tips and Strategies for Success

How to Win at Video Poker Online: Tips and Strategies for Success

Last updated: 08.11.2025
Emily Thompson
Published by:Emily Thompson
How to Win at Video Poker Online: Tips and Strategies for Success image

Video poker is a classic casino game that's also made a huge splash online. Part of its appeal is that it's not just about luck; there's actual skill involved! This means you can boost your winning chances by making smart moves.

Still, to really win big at video poker in Zimbabwe, you need to know the best strategy for each game and situation. We're about to share some top tips and tricks to help you succeed at online video poker.

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First off, anyone looking to rack up video poker wins in Zimbabwe needs to get to grips with the game's rules. There are quite a few video poker variations out there, and each has its own rules. The main differences usually lie in the card combinations that count as wins and how much they pay out.

Some popular variations you might find include:

  • Jacks or Better
  • Deuces Wild
  • Joker Poker
  • Aces and Faces

Your best strategy will depend on which video poker version you're playing. Always check out the winning hands and their payouts before you make any decisions. This info is usually displayed on a table right there.

Video poker strategies are mainly about figuring out what to do after those first five cards are dealt.

Once those initial five cards show up, you've got to pick which ones to hold onto to make a winning hand. Then, you hit DRAW to get your new cards, which will then combine with the ones you kept.

Essentially, you want to hold cards that have the potential to create a winning hand. But, this isn't always a clear-cut choice, as you might have two or more promising options staring you in the face with those first cards.

Here are some common decisions to make when specific scenarios pop up:

  • Four cards to a Straight or Flush: Keep all four of those cards.
  • Three cards to a Royal Flush: Hold onto those three.
  • Three cards to a Straight Flush: hold
  • A pair of any value: hold them and draw three new cards
  • None of the scenarios above: hold all the jacks or higher

By following that, you tend to get more winnings and avoid taking unnecessary risks. But remember: there’s no guarantee. Even if you follow the instructions we gave, there’s always a good chance you won’t receive the cards you were expecting after they are drawn again.

Best Video Poker Variations with a Big Winning Potential

One of the reasons why video poker is such a popular online casino game is because it has a relatively low house edge. This means that the casino's advantage is minimal, giving players a better chance of winning. Additionally, some variations of video poker offer players a progressive jackpot, which can result in amazing payouts.

Some of the best variations of video poker to win at include Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. These variations offer the best odds for players and can be found at most online casinos.

To increase your chances of winning at video poker, it's important to learn the correct strategy for each specific scenario you are playing. By following those strategies and practicing responsible gambling habits, you can increase your chances of success at video poker online.

How Video Poker Jackpots Are Setup

Whether you’re playing poker at an online casino or a land-based casino, the royal flush is the premium hand. In other words, getting this hand might land you the game’s top-most prize, which is the jackpot. But to hit the royal flush, your hand must consist of five sequential cards of a similar suit. The arrangement starts from the 10 and goes all the way to the Ace.

Meanwhile, the royal flush pays out 4,000 coins for every five-coin bet ($1.25). In return, this gives you a total of $1,000. Along with the royal flush, you can also scoop a big win with the following hands:

  • Four aces - $100
  • Straight flush – $62.50
  • Four 2s through to 4s - $50
  • Four 5s through to kings - $31.25
  • Full house - $10
  • Flush - $6.25
  • Straight - $5
  • Three of a kind – $3.75
  • Two pair - $2.50

How to Win the Jackpot

As you may already know, walking away with the video poker jackpots is no mean feat. However, there are a few tips to help you be the winner.

Playing Maximum Coins

Playing all five coins in video poker is the only way to pocket the 800 coins in a single payout. Betting anything less will give you 200 coins. Therefore, if you’re looking for a video poker jackpot, bet all the available coins.

Interestingly, the probability of getting the royal flush remains the same even if you wager fewer coins. So, what’s the difference? Logically, getting 800 coins for a single payout is a lot better than getting 200 for a single payout.

Play for High Stakes

Sounds straightforward, huh? Most players are usually afraid to risk much on a single shot. But the truth is that you can’t win those $100,000 video poker jackpots when playing with fear. Players who play for high stakes win more considerable sums with the maximum coin bet.

For example, some video poker games let players risk up to $25 per hand. Therefore, if you choose the maximum bet, you can easily go home with a six-figure salary.

Have a Big Bankroll

Honestly, you don’t stand a chance to win a six-figure pay if you don’t have a big bankroll. That’s because video poker can be expensive to play, especially when chasing a jackpot. That said, having a big bankroll ensures you stay at the table for longer, maximizing your winning potential in the process.

However, the bankroll should be money that you can comfortably live without. In addition, you should have a stop-loss limit. For instance, if you can comfortably play with $20,000 and you plan on wagering $10 per hand, this means you’ll have up to 2,000 betting units (20,000/10). In that case, you can walk away after playing 100 or 200 units with or without success.

FAQ

What is the best variation to win at Video Poker?

The best video poker variations often depend on what you're looking for. If your main goal is to find the version with the highest winning odds, then Jacks or Better is generally considered the top choice. It boasts odds of over 99%, giving players a strong advantage. Other popular variations that players in Zimbabwe often enjoy for their winning potential include Deuces Wild and Tens or Better. These games also offer a fun and engaging experience, whether you're hitting a big win or simply enjoying the play.

What is the best Video Poker strategy?

The most effective video poker strategy is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it largely depends on the specific variation you are playing. Each game has different winning hands and varying payout structures. Therefore, to develop the best strategy, it's crucial to compare the odds for each possible hand combination and understand the corresponding payouts. This allows you to make informed decisions that maximise your chances of winning.

Is Video Poker a skill or luck game?

Video poker is a fascinating blend of both skill and luck. While the initial cards you are dealt involve an element of chance, your decisions on which cards to hold and which to discard significantly influence the outcome. This means that while luck plays a role, employing effective strategies can substantially increase your chances of winning. To excel at video poker, players need a solid grasp of the game's rules and the ability to quickly assess different situations to make the best strategic moves.

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